Photography Level 3 Extended Diploma

This is a two-year photographic course that allows you to explore a number of photographic genres including: portraits, landscapes, advertising and image manipulation. You are encouraged to take a broad view of photography and include elements of a wide range of art and design disciplines in your work.

A BTEC National Diploma in Photography is made up of 18 units. Five common units which everyone takes, ten specialist units that enable you to study particular areas in depth and three ‘confirmatory’ units at the end of the course. Common units include drawing development, historical and contextual understanding, materials techniques and processes, ideas and concepts and visual communication. Specialist units may include computers in art and design, darkroom practice, experimental imagery, digital imaging, location photography and studio photography. The final three units, art and design, exploration application and realisation, constitute your final major project that is exhibited.

All units are assessed and graded, and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded.

You will work with both silver-based equipment and digital technology. The course includes drawing, design, creative use of information technology and historical and contextual understanding.

Applicants for a level 3 programme will normally have:
- At least four GCSEs at grade C or above (including some subjects related to the proposed area of study) and/or a completed level 2 award
- The willingness to study for an additional level 2 qualification in English and/or maths
- If you are interested in a level 3 programme and have alternative qualifications you would like us to consider please contact us with your details

Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and complete an internal assessment. All students will have their literacy and numeracy needs supported within the programme.

Successful completion of the course will enable you to work professionally in all areas of photography. The qualification is also an excellent preparation for entry to higher education also. Recent students have progressed to degree study at ‘Falmouth’ ‘London College of Fashion’ ‘Brighton’ ‘Bournemouth’ and specialist degree courses in photo-journalism and documentary photography at ‘Newport’ and ‘Swansea’.

This is a practical, work-related course suitable for 16-19 year olds who have decided that they wish to enter this area of work. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.